THE UK national pet charity recently named Olympic event rider Mary King as the Blue Cross ambassador to help horses in need. It is hoped that she will raise the profile of the charity’s horse welfare work across the UK.

The Blue Cross has been in operation for over 120 and the charity helps all pets and animals in need of care and attention. They take in sick, injured and abandoned pets, provide them with the necessary veterinary care, behavioural help and find them suitable homes.

There are two equine welfare centres in the UK run by the Blue Cross, one in Oxfordshire and one in Staffordshire. At these facilities the Blue Cross care, rehabilitate and rehome neglected, abandoned and unwanted horses.

The charity also operate a Home Direct Scheme which helps owners to find new, suitable homes for horses they are no longer able to take care of.

King has been a longstanding figure in British eventing and throughout her career she has supported the Blue Cross. She has competed in six Olympic Games for Great Britain, winning team silver in 2004 and 2012, as well as winning team bronze 2008. King also has four European team gold medals to her name and two World Equestrian Games team gold medals.

Speaking about the announcement, King said: “I am truly thrilled to take on the role of equine ambassador for Blue Cross. I have immense respect for their welfare and rehoming work and hope that I will be able to help raise their profile in many ways.

“I am particularly excited about spreading the word about this year’s Christmas Dinner project which aims to make sure all the horses at the Blue Cross Burford centre get some festive spirit and plenty of love on Christmas day.”

Senior Horse Rehoming Manager at Blue Cross, Rosie Mogford added: “We are honoured and excited that Mary has agreed to become our first ever equine ambassador. She is one of the most accomplished and admired riders in equestrian sport and we could not wish for a better representative to support our welfare work.”

More information on the Blue Cross can be found on its website bluecross.org.uk.